The Maryland Catholic Conference (“Conference”) represents the public-policy interests of the three Roman Catholic (arch)dioceses serving Maryland: the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Diocese of Wilmington.

SB 187 would require the Governor's Workforce Investment Board to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, health occupations boards, and specified other parties to establish a workgroup to study access to obstetric services in the State, and for the workgroup to report to specified committees of the General Assembly on or before December 1 of each year.

The Church is a consistent advocate of quality, affordable health care. Access and coverage for quality obstetric services are essential to maternal and fetal health during and after pregnancy. Health care for these populations provides a foundation for healthy families by ensuring that women have safe pregnancies and deliveries, and can give their children the best possible start they can have. Compiling information on access obstetric services will provide a means for determining the current state of obstetric care in Maryland and areas of improvement that will prove to be beneficial for families.

The Conference appreciates your consideration and urges your favorable support of SB 187.